1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1971 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1971 Opel Kadett is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Europa (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Europa should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Kadett weights approximately 150 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Lotus Europa (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Europa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1971 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Europa | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
